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Record of Proceedings

Bloomington City Council Meeting Summary - September 8, 2025

City Council — Monday, September 8, 2025
BodyBloomington, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, September 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Once again, thank you all for being here.

0:06

Thanks, Council, for your participation and staff.

0:08

Thanks for your work putting this all together tonight.

0:11

Our first order of business council is to approve tonight's agenda.

0:15

And on our agenda this evening, under item two, our introductory items, we have item 2.1, which is the introduction of new employees.

0:23

Item 2.2 is a proclamation for suicide prevention week and month.

0:28

Item 2.3 is an award the city received from PETA, the people for the ethical treatment of animals for a compassionate city award, which is a nice one.

0:36

Then we have two appointments item 2.4 will be an appointment of a young adult member to the Human Rights Commission.

0:41

And item 2.5 is an appointment to our port authority commission.

0:46

Under item three, our consent business, Councilmember Revas has our consent agenda tonight.

0:50

We have 17 items on tonight's consent agenda.

0:53

Item 4, our hearings resolutions and ordinances.

0:56

We have uh seven items under that.

0:58

Uh our first is uh first two are resolutions.

1:01

Item 4.1 is a resolution adopting the preliminary 2026 tax levy, and item 4.2 is a resolution adopting a preliminary 2026 general fund budget.

1:11

We then have uh five straight public hearings, and they are uh assessment uh hearings.

1:16

Item 4.3 is a public hearing regarding public nuisance abatement assessments.

1:20

Item 4.4 is a hearing regarding tree removal assessments, 4.5 weed brush removal assessments, 4.6, uh the public hearing for delinquent water, sewer, stormwater drainage, garbage, recycling, and organics assessments, and item 4.7 to 4 points uh public hearing for civil fines for property related violation assessments.

1:41

Under item five, our organizational business.

1:43

We will have an update update on the 9 Mile Creek project, which uh we put off from our last meeting, so we appreciate the patience of the folks, the staff members who are going to be presenting that for us.

1:51

And item 5.2, we will then go into closed session.

1:55

We will go to a closed session for litigation management related to the 2024-11 Normandale Boulevard PMP Trail and Sidewalk Improvement Project.

2:04

We will then come back into uh session.

2:07

And um actually, I'm you know what I'm gonna do, Council, to make sure that we do this correctly.

2:11

Item 5.1 will be the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project Update.

2:14

I'm gonna call it 5.2, it's gonna be our public uh our our city council policy and issue update.

2:19

I see that we don't have that officially on the agenda, I don't believe.

2:22

So I'm gonna add that on.

2:24

Uh actually I think we have it as 5.3.

2:26

I'm gonna make that 5.2 and then ask ask that we put 5.3 being the closed session.

2:32

Does that make sense?

2:33

And then as I said, we come back into open session and we will adjourn the meeting then.

2:37

So with a one addition, adding uh or swapping item 5.2 and 5.3.

2:42

Uh are there any other changes or adjustments to our agenda this evening?

2:46

Hearing none, I will move the the agenda as stated.

2:50

Second.

2:51

I will move it and a second by councilmember Moot to adopt tonight's agenda as stated.

2:56

No further council discussion on this.

2:57

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

2:59

Aye.

3:00

Opposed.

3:00

Motion carries seven zero.

3:02

Thank you all very much.

3:03

And we will begin with an introduction of new employees.

3:06

And I think we have new employees both in parks and rec and public works.

3:10

And it looks like Parks and Rec is making the move first, so they get the uh the first shot at the microphone.

3:14

Ian Brecke is here this evening.

3:16

Good evening and welcome.

3:17

Thank you so much.

3:17

Um good evening, Mayor and Council members.

3:20

I have the pleasure of introducing BCA's newest staff in 2025.

3:25

And we'll start just to my right here.

3:27

Siri Hellerman began as the new BCA assistant manager in May.

3:32

And after a few reschedules of this intro, we just said, why don't we just introduce them together?

3:37

So she's been waiting very patiently for a few months now.

3:40

Uh she most recently served as the outreach programs manager and school programs coordinator for the Bakken Museum over the last eight years.

3:48

Her degrees are in theater and acting with additional background as an arts educator, arts coordinator, teaching artist, actor, voiceover talent.

3:57

Her college and earlier career experience were based in New York with the last eight years now in the Twin Cities.

4:03

Uh moving forward, Siri is leading BCA rental agreements, uh, city use of BCA spaces and any city-led arts education offerings.

4:13

Her combined background of program management experience and her long career in the arts make her especially qualified for this role.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Urban Forestry Management████████████████16%
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Mental Health Awareness███3%
Animal Welfare██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Bloomington City Council Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Bloomington City Council met on September 8, 2025, to address a wide range of items, including setting a preliminary 2026 tax levy and budget, receiving an update on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project, conducting public hearings on property assessments, and making appointments to commissions. Key decisions included a 9.44% preliminary levy increase, recognition of employees and community awards, and a closed session for litigation management.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved the consent agenda (items 3.2–3.17) and item 3.1 (donation acceptances) unanimously (7-0). Councilmember Rivas held item 3.1 to acknowledge donors including Rosemary Townsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mary R. Gannum (in memory of Pat Ganon), and Walmart.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michael Corlitz spoke during the council listening session. He asked about firearms legislation and expressed concerns regarding the mayor’s support for allowing local municipalities to enact ordinances related to firearms. Council members noted the conversation would continue to evolve.
  • Jeff Johnson raised concerns about aircraft noise in East Bloomington. The council acknowledged that construction on airport runways was causing increased noise and directed him to the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) of the Metropolitan Airports Commission for further discussion.
  • Jeremy Hildeen addressed the council during the public hearing on civil fines (item 4.7). He explained his inability to pay a $500 fine for a garage needing repair, citing job loss, permitting difficulties, and lack of assistance. He asked for more compassionate outreach and help navigating city processes. The council voted to remove his property from the assessment roll and direct staff to work with him, with a report due at the end of September.

Discussion Items

  • Preliminary 2026 Tax Levy and Budget (Items 4.1 & 4.2)
    • Deputy Finance Officer Kari Carlson presented the proposed 9.44% tax levy increase ($8.3 million over 2025) and the general fund budget for 2026. Key drivers included expiring grants (SAFER, ARPA), personnel costs, and debt service. Staff reduced the original forecast from 18% to 9.44% by using surplus funds, reducing debt service increases, and finding health insurance savings. The council discussed the need to balance service demands with long-term planning, the use of the strategic priorities fund, and the impact on residents. Councilmembers expressed support for continued refinement before final adoption in December. Both resolutions passed 7-0.
  • Assessment Public Hearings (Items 4.3 – 4.7)
    • Staff presented rolls for nuisance abatement (14 properties, $6,000), tree removal (6 properties, $28,000), weed/brush removal (49 properties, $20,000), delinquent utilities (876 properties, $1.1 million), and civil fines (116 properties, $163,000). Each hearing was opened and closed, and motions to adopt assessment rolls passed, except that for item 4.7 (civil fines) council voted to remove the property at 8444 Emerson Avenue pending staff review and a follow-up report.
  • Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project Update (Item 5.1)
    • Staff presented the 60% design update. Key features include: 50–60 acres of native habitat restoration, stream remeandering, a boardwalk, bridge replacements (including bridge 8 currently closed), a new veteran’s memorial at Harrison Park (opening Veterans Day 2026), and a redesigned Moyer Park with disc golf and an inclusive playground. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet is open for public comment through October 2. No formal action was taken. Discussion covered permitting timelines, bicycle enforcement, benches for elderly users, and asset management plans.
  • City Council Policy & Issue Update (Item 5.2)
    • The mayor summarized the evening’s listening session, expressed gratitude to police for their response to the South High School shooting, and noted two new speakers. Councilmembers shared reflections on gun violence, homelessness, and economic security. Staff also announced national awards: the notable neighbor video series (third place) and the Nine Mile Creek renewal engagement (first place) from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association.

Key Outcomes

  • Preliminary 2026 Tax Levy adopted at 9.44% increase ($8.3 million) – vote 7-0.
  • Preliminary 2026 General Fund Budget adopted – vote 7-0.
  • Assessment rolls approved for all items except property 8444 Emerson Avenue, which was removed for staff review (set for report at September 29 meeting).
  • Appointments confirmed: Amari Moussignek to Human Rights Commission (young adult member) and Cecilio Santana to Port Authority Commission – both votes 7-0.
  • Closed session held for litigation management on the Normandale Boulevard project; council directed staff to follow the discussion and actions taken (vote 7-0).
  • Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM after extending the deadline.

Meeting Transcript

Once again, thank you all for being here. Thanks, Council, for your participation and staff. Thanks for your work putting this all together tonight. Our first order of business council is to approve tonight's agenda. And on our agenda this evening, under item two, our introductory items, we have item 2.1, which is the introduction of new employees. Item 2.2 is a proclamation for suicide prevention week and month. Item 2.3 is an award the city received from PETA, the people for the ethical treatment of animals for a compassionate city award, which is a nice one. Then we have two appointments item 2.4 will be an appointment of a young adult member to the Human Rights Commission. And item 2.5 is an appointment to our port authority commission. Under item three, our consent business, Councilmember Revas has our consent agenda tonight. We have 17 items on tonight's consent agenda. Item 4, our hearings resolutions and ordinances. We have uh seven items under that. Uh our first is uh first two are resolutions. Item 4.1 is a resolution adopting the preliminary 2026 tax levy, and item 4.2 is a resolution adopting a preliminary 2026 general fund budget. We then have uh five straight public hearings, and they are uh assessment uh hearings. Item 4.3 is a public hearing regarding public nuisance abatement assessments. Item 4.4 is a hearing regarding tree removal assessments, 4.5 weed brush removal assessments, 4.6, uh the public hearing for delinquent water, sewer, stormwater drainage, garbage, recycling, and organics assessments, and item 4.7 to 4 points uh public hearing for civil fines for property related violation assessments. Under item five, our organizational business. We will have an update update on the 9 Mile Creek project, which uh we put off from our last meeting, so we appreciate the patience of the folks, the staff members who are going to be presenting that for us. And item 5.2, we will then go into closed session. We will go to a closed session for litigation management related to the 2024-11 Normandale Boulevard PMP Trail and Sidewalk Improvement Project. We will then come back into uh session. And um actually, I'm you know what I'm gonna do, Council, to make sure that we do this correctly. Item 5.1 will be the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project Update. I'm gonna call it 5.2, it's gonna be our public uh our our city council policy and issue update. I see that we don't have that officially on the agenda, I don't believe. So I'm gonna add that on. Uh actually I think we have it as 5.3. I'm gonna make that 5.2 and then ask ask that we put 5.3 being the closed session. Does that make sense? And then as I said, we come back into open session and we will adjourn the meeting then. So with a one addition, adding uh or swapping item 5.2 and 5.3. Uh are there any other changes or adjustments to our agenda this evening? Hearing none, I will move the the agenda as stated. Second. I will move it and a second by councilmember Moot to adopt tonight's agenda as stated. No further council discussion on this. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carries seven zero. Thank you all very much. And we will begin with an introduction of new employees. And I think we have new employees both in parks and rec and public works. And it looks like Parks and Rec is making the move first, so they get the uh the first shot at the microphone. Ian Brecke is here this evening. Good evening and welcome. Thank you so much. Um good evening, Mayor and Council members.

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